The deadline is up, and submissions are in. We received 15 wonderfully built maps for the contest!! All are stellar maps with great effort put in by our map makers. We've definitely got a hard job ahead of us choosing the Top 10 to be selected as the Wilds of Valhalla maps. As previously mentioned. These selected maps will all be used in our local tournament next weekend and personally playtested (by us) throughout the next few months to determine true tournament worthiness. So, here they are....!

Special Rules
Treasure Glyph trap: Roll the 20-sided die. If you roll a 1-10, roll an unblockable attack die against each figure standing on or carrying a glyph. If you roll a 11-15, roll an unblockable attack die against each figure on at least one ice space. If you roll a 16-20, roll an unblockable attack die against each figure on at least one snow space.

Inspired by the Robert Frost poem of the same name, I imagine this as a bleak snowy landscape, with some lonely trees around. It's eerily calm, and just light enough to see under the full moon. There's miles to go before you sleep, alright, but there looks to be an enemy army standing in your way.

Chaos is a violation of the laws of nature. In no way should wet swamp exist next to sand, dry rock, stalagmites, lava rock, shadow, and magma. But here it is in Valhalla, spellbound by some ancient forces. As you traverse the terrain, you hear the ground is rumbling under you, as if on the verge of erupting.

Nomad’s Submission: Savage Corridor

Spoiler Alert!

Legends of mighty battles still whisper off the broken battlements, the dust of fallen warriors can be felt underfoot on the dreary cobblestones, and the ghosts of heroes can be glimpsed in the murky waters . . . nestled among the Dark Lakes of Nastraland lies the strategic Wolf Swamp Road. One branch of this road is particularly untamed - the Savage Corridor. As the wild nature of Valhalla reclaims the road, the wildest nature of beast, man, and kyrie surfaces in every skirmish on the Savage Corridor.

Map: Volcarren ParadiseHSC file
Note that the map doesn't have any glyphs. Instead, I made some special rules for the 4 central water tiles. They're included on the last page of the map PDF.

A newly discovered volcanic island off the coast of the Volcarren Wasteland. Lush tropical terrain covers the surface, and vegetation and wildlife flourish. Hot springs are common due to the island's volcanic origins, their waters warm, crystal-clear and rejuvenating. The air is thick and humid, almost unnaturally so. It is rumored that certain spots on the island are full of wild magic, but this is only speculation.

Master4sword’s Submissions: Wo-Sa-Ga’s Quarry & Blazing Outpost

Spoiler Alert!

The newest marro hive needed to be hidden away from the front lines. And in a secluded section of rocky swamp, Wo-Sa-Ga found a perfect location. The new marro bred here would meld with more stony parts for added toughness compared to the marro of the past. The site would only be lightly fortified, for being this far from the war it would never be discovered.

Elven woods are often overgrown and difficult to traverse, so it only made sense to construct an outpost to aid in travels. But when a collection of elven artifacts were being transported and thus temporarily stored at the outpost, Khosumet's forces struck and had the place burned to the ground. The fire consumed more than just the outpost, but it spread into the forest itself.

However, when scouts reported that the artifacts may have survived the initial blaze, a band was assembled to march in and claim the goods. But the overgrown forest had provided plenty of fuel for the fire, and so when the wolves arrived to obtain their prize, they found the blaze still smouldering, complicating the acquisition of the treasures.

Also complicating the situation was the fact that elven troops had also come looking for the artifacts... Blazing Outpost (PDF, HSC)

Capsocrates Submission: Halcyon

Spoiler Alert!

Halcyon.hsc file.pdf file
Backstory:
Sgt. Drake slowed his stride. Raelin, the Airborne, and himself had been skirmishing with the Marro in these swamps for days now--hitting during the thinner mists of daylight and then running as the mists thickened and the daylight faded. Over the last hour, the hot muggy air of the swamps had given way to a biting chill. Now he knew why. Rising out of the mud before him was a glacier overlooking a frozen wellspring. To his right, frigid mist rolled out of the jagged teeth of a deep, snowbound cave. "Jackpot, boys; a wellspr--" he cut himself off to drop into a squat as he heard a marro battle cry in the distance. He glanced at Raelin, "Here we go again."

Legoboy’s Submissions: Primærskog & Marro Thaw

Spoiler Alert!

From the northern mountains of Jutanguard flows a stream. As it winds north to the sea, it passes a rugged land of unsurpassing beauty. The glacial valley is littered with boulders and conifers so old the very gods may have walked under them in the beginnings of time. This wondrous area is Primærskog.Download

Marro Thaw

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir Heroscape

"The Marro hive was frozen over the winter; dormant; hibernating...but the melting snow begins to reveal the pulsing mass of flesh awakening."

This is the 9th day since I've left Einar's Golden Palace. I was sent only as a scout, yet I have become a prey. I feel like the hound of Nullondia tracks my every move. I see his gaze when I dream... His four fearless white eyes, looking down into my very soul, striking down my will, paralyzing my muscles... I do not remember how I escaped. Only the fall. The pain. I jumped into Soulrazor Canyon.

I walked - or more so limped - for what felt like eternity. I followed the stream and arrived here. The canyon seemed to narrow down and, like a miracle, I saw trees... Palm trees... As if the hot undergrounds and the thin rays of sunlight piercing through managed to spawn some kind of oasis. Is this a dream ? No. Cause if it was, it'd be a nightmare. I hear the hounds howling by the thousand. Vydar's trackers are getting close. There is only one thing I can do : follow the stream into the cave and try to find safety.

I let this letter hidden here, hoping that my men will find it. I want those words to be found. I want my general's army to avenge me. We have been BETRAYED.

At the bottom of Soulrazor Canyon, in the heart of Bleakewoode, lies a hot stream which slowly crawls into the depths of the earth. It is said that great treasures lie buried in the sand, hidden in the shadows. Can you find them before the hounds of Vydar ?

Infected PassDownload
It is said that in the sombre peaks of Northern Laur, there is a pass between the mountain which has become a favorite amongst explorers and scouts. Far enough from Jandar's summoning circle to not be closely guarded by his troops, the passage is shrouded in mists coming from the cold bogland below. Slowly, through the years, the land surronding the passage has become harder and harder to navigate : the rain, the mists and the mud can trap unadvised travellers.

A rumour has sparked recently : could it be true that Utgar's marro have taken control of the pass and made it a new base ? This is way too close for Jandar's taste ! He has sent a group of scouts directly into the mountains and an army into the swamp below. What they will find might surprise them...

Mountain PassVS FilePDFFew year round paths exist through the mountains with most spring time passes becoming obstructed by heavy snow and ice in the winter. Those few passes that do remain open year round are heavily traveled by merchants in the times of peace, and heavily contested by armies in the time of war

Alright everyone, we're back in action with another exciting map building contest. Now that your VirtualScape programs are dusted off and warmed up, lets keep em going! We’re calling on all map builders to come up with competative tournament worthy maps and to submit them here for scoring. In the end, 10 maps will be chosen and used in our The Wilds of Valhalla themed tournament, and of the 10, #1 will be given a very high quality prize…that is: one of TREX’s very own handmade dice towers…for an idea of what he can do…check out his links here (1 , 2 , 3). This was the prize at our last contest (here).

Why are we doing this?
It's time for map building to gain new life and excitement among heroscapers, and we're here to help that along. As well, we love making maps as good as the BoV and what better way to get recognition for your maps, and playtesting them than at a tournament! Granted, all submissions won't be tournament worthy, which is why we'll make careful selection for the Top 10 maps.

This is also the second contest we are running in preparation for the creation of a new map building group. Map building has been dead -or dying- of late, and it is our hope to create a map building group with a similar format to the contests we run here. This second contest will give us the needed feedback, experience and insight needed to finalize its creation.

EDIT: Entries will be due @11:59pm MST on February 3rd, 2017

Guidelines

Maps must be submitted with build instructions in either VirtualScape or PDF format and have at least one VirtualScape image or photo as well.

Maps may be either symmetrical or asymmetrical

Maps should have no more than: 1 master set & 2 *expansion sets for build requirements.

Maps must be modeled after the theme: The Wilds of Valhalla

You may make a maximum of 2 entries, and it must be your own work. All maps must be NEW, in other words…you made it for this event.

If you are submitting 2 map entries than each entry must use a different master set and no more than one of the same expansion as your other map entry (i.e. if map entry #1 has TT and RttFF, than map entry #2 may only reuse one of those two expansions along with any other expansion)

OPTIONAL: Add a backstory as you submit the map, help us envision being there.

*Marvel and BftU will be considered as expansions in this contest.

Scoring

ALL maps submitted will be revised and scored according to the following Rubric:

*Each map will have 3 rubrics filled out, one from each judge. Those 3 scores will then be averaged for one final score for that map.

*At the end of the deadline, the top 10 maps will be chosen and posted. A PUBLIC POLL will then be opened for the community to vote on the best map out of the top 10. The map winner will be posted after a week long poll and the prize awarded. All 10 maps will be used in our Tournament next month.

Map Building Tips for Competitive Design (from the judges)

Use Brandar glyphs as placeholders for Treasure Glyphs

Avoid putting Power Glyphs on [too much] height (exceptions can be made depending on the map design)

Double-spaced figures MUST be able to access glyphs (power and treasure)

Avoid putting Power glyphs on lava terrain

Figures with 5 or 6 movement should NOT be able to reach Power Glyphs on turn 1

Avoid too much elevation close to the start zone (exceptions can be made depending on the map design)

We judges had our work cut out for us...these map submissions were wonderful! We're very excited about these maps and the games we're going to get to play both at the tournament and our own personal playtesting. Very well done by all, and thank you for your participation, NOW it's time to Vote!! Put your vote in for the best map of these Top 10. The winner will be given a custom made dice tower by TREX, and let me tell you...It is incredible! Just wait till he posts pictures...you're all gunna be jealous. Votes will run for a week and close on Monday, February 13th @9:52pm MST...at which time the winner will be announced and the prize awarded. Also, stay tuned on this thread during the next 3-4 months as we judges will take the time to thoroughly playtest the Top 10 map submissions for tournament worthiness and give our reviews. This is an effort to bring the community more competitive maps that are hot off the press and full of thematic designs. Great work everyone!

PRIZE
The Winning map maker will receive THIS friggin boss dice tower made by TREX!

Winner Map for the Contest

Spoiler Alert!

WINNER.hsc file.pdf file
Sgt. Drake slowed his stride. Raelin, the Airborne, and himself had been skirmishing with the Marro in these swamps for days now--hitting during the thinner mists of daylight and then running as the mists thickened and the daylight faded. Over the last hour, the hot muggy air of the swamps had given way to a biting chill. Now he knew why. Rising out of the mud before him was a glacier overlooking a frozen wellspring. To his right, frigid mist rolled out of the jagged teeth of a deep, snowbound cave. "Jackpot, boys; a wellspr--" he cut himself off to drop into a squat as he heard a marro battle cry in the distance. He glanced at Raelin, "Here we go again."

What a great contest everyone. Thank you all for your participation and time. This contest has been such a success and it's all because of you guys. We're
glad you all took this to heart and really put in your best effort. Just like our last contest, we feel these maps will become a collection worthy of tournaments and this won't be the last time you see them. We'll be giving battle reports and reviews on these maps as we play test them, so stay tuned. Again, thank you...this contest is for YOU the Heroscape community!!